A difference-maker?

Sunday, 20 January 2013 13:59

Written by Dave Molinari

He is big.

He is strong.

He is an excellent skater.

He possesses outstanding skill.

Aside from all that, New York Rangers left winger Rick Nash really doesn't have much going for him.

Except maybe that, in his first season with the Rangers, he's working alongside a center, Brad Richards, who is one of the game's premier playmakers.

The combination of Richard's abillity to distribute the puck and Nash's gift for making things happen once he gets it figures to cost Eastern Conference coaches a lot of sleep over the next few months.

Tha Rangers, who will face the Penguins tonight at 7:08 at Madison Square Garden, acquired Nash from Columbus during the off-season, and many believe he might be the piece they've needed to win a Stanley Cup.

"He's unique, just because of his size, combined with his skill level," Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik said. "That's something you don't see a lot in the league, that kind of size and skating ability and skill."

Orpik pointed out that the Penguins have to be aware of Nash's penchant for slipping behind a defense --

"He's pretty sneaky, getting behind (opposing defenses)," he said. "You see him getting a lot of breakaways because of that.
Getting him with a guy like Richards would be really good for Nash."

Nash also can overpower opponents who put themselves between his 6-feet-4, 213-pound frame and the net.

"You immediately know the down-low play and down-low strength and (ability to) take it to the net that this guy has," Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said. "He's a power forward, a big guy, obviously, who can score."